Microsoft Windows 8 Embedded Preview Download Now Available

Microsoft's Windows 8 Embedded Preview is finally available for download, giving developers the opportunity to put the new operating system to the test.

As part of Microsoft's recent showcase of releases, the preview of their upcoming Windows OS for embedded systems has officially been released. Whilst it hasn't created the same amount of publicity as Windows 8, it is still an essential part of software.

Thanks to Windows Embedded, developers can utilise the same toolset used for building applications in Windows 8 to create specialist devices running line-of-business applications - taking Windows 8 to a higher level. Such devices include vending machines, digital music players as well as for medical equipment such as MRIs and X-rays.

The bods over at Microsoft explained: “Windows Embedded Standard 8 enables OEMs to build differentiated devices that address the specialized needs of their enterprise customers.

The Windows Embedded Standard 8 CTP is an important step in giving developers and enterprises an opportunity to evaluate Windows 8 technologies for connecting specialized devices to powerful back-end software. With the recent release of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview and Windows Server 8 beta, along with this week’s launch of SQL Server 2012 and Windows Embedded Standard 8 CTP, Microsoft is offering a good look at a new, common set of technologies that spans specialized devices, servers, PCs and applications.”

The advantage of this release lets companies tailor the UI to their own presentation preferences, with the software package also including a module designer to allow easy integration of third-party software into the OS.